MINNEAPOLIS, 20 April 2012. Omnetics Connector Corp. in Minneapolis is introducing the Latching Micro-D cable connectors for quick cable connections to rack and panel equipment in military, aerospace, and medical applications. The Latching Micro-D connector features a squeeze-latch system that is small and light weight.

The military connectors have a 0.5-inch pitch, and have passed shock and vibration testing -- including pull tests that exceeds 100-pound pull forces. The push-and-latch design, which is designed to reduce time and effort in plugging a Micro-D connector into a circuit, eliminates the use of screw drivers and hand tools.

Miniature instruments for unmanned vehicle systems, optical surveillance, and portable electronics often require quick connect and disconnect methods not readily available before the Latching Micro-D connector, Omnetics officials say.

The Latching Micro-D connector offers options for connecting inside the instrument, including PC board lead frames and direct wiring. Omnetics uses a one piece beryllium copper flex pin design, plated with nickel and gold for service that operates in the full military temperature range from -55 to 125 degrees Celsius.

Wired connectors include 26 AWG Teflon insulated copper wire that provides as much as three amps per line. Wire count and cables can be designed into custom back-shells for long-range ruggedized service.

Cable systems include braided shields to reduce electro-magnetic interference and cross talk. Digital signals from optical surveillance systems, low voltage differential signals, and low-current power supplies are candidates for the Latching Micro-D connector. Systems designers can convert old jackscrew designs by adding a latching adapter to existing Micro-D connectors.

For more information contact Omnetics online at www.omnetics.com.

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